2. It was manufactured in England and released in 1972, so its not surprising that collectors would be willing to pay so much for it. Most Matchbox cars are about 2 inches in length, but this big truck was about 11 inches long. Almost five years ago, a similar model sold for $8,500 on eBay. Factory errors are among the top things that make collecting so interesting. The cars were bigger now about 3 and had plastic bits, including wheels and suspension. If youre unfamiliar with Matchbox models, three body molds have been used over the years: 1:43, 1:55, and 1:64 scale. You will likely need to spend around $30 to get your hands on a unique piece of Matchbox history and the original die-cast car in mint condition. Y-16. Tom Sellek starred as Magnum PI in a TV show that was a hit back in the 1980s. With an estimated value of around $4,100, this little Matchbox truck is worth more than some regular size cars. 1. But by this time, the big names produced similar ranges, with fantasy models and race tracks included. Over the last few years, the matchbox has been the most popular collectible die-cast car. The car had no roof and had a different interior than the American version. That is, except for the pre-production models. The 25-year production life of this truck speaks to its staying power in the publics psyche. Lots of them had clockwork motors, meaning youd reverse the car or manually turn the wheels to gain momentum, then release it and watch it shoot forward. 1969 Rear-loading Volkswagen Microbus Beach Bomb in pink: 80,000 to 120,000 2. Bone up on . The red model with a white interior is now worth more than $1,000. Image Credit: Valuable Matchbox Cars. Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 6. 30 Toy Cars Collectors Covet. The car was first released in 1968 and had two different variations. It is important to consider several factors when evaluating eBay results for a particular car. Here are the Top 10 Most Expensive Diecast Cars in the World: Contents [ hide] 10. Sixty-eight-year-old Simon Hope's Matchbox collection was so massive that he had to use three different auctions to clear the whole lot. When the company began, they had to roll out the first line of cars and this was one. WARNING: This review contains several MAJOR spoilers. At least the valuable version is. This car is the second version, with working headlights and taillights. On top of this, the DeLorean's rear-mounted motor made sure it was truly the most eclectic car of the 1980s. The second version was made without opening doors and trunk but still had chrome wheels. The cars proved popular, and soon Dinky Toys was . We dont know where the green comes from. What we do know is that it very, very seldom appears on market. Road Roller Originally had been designed to be a larger vehicle, but it shrunk in size to make it easier for kids to use it as a toy. With these factors in mind, you should be able to recognize fakes. For example, the strikingly unpainted steel chassis with the gull-wing doors feels like a direct influence of the new Tesla Truck. Unfortunately, the line never took off, and almost all prototypes went missing. These small cars tend to fetch a higher price for their distinctive color or other features most of the time. . For instance, a model manufactured in large quantities in the 1940s would be more valuable and rarer today than one manufactured in similar quantities in the 1970s. Die-cast Matchbox toys first gained their name because they originally came packaged similarly to matches. Matchbox is renowned for the detail and attention to the quality they put into each model. In the 1970s all the way to the 80s, kids who loved trucks, cars, and motorbikes had a wide range of toys to choose from. This model was first released in the United States in 1961 and was based on the Ford Fairlane sedan. Even though it was discontinued from production several years ago, collectors still love it and will pay top dollar for any version of this model they can find. At the moment, what you need to know about this car is that it was the first Matchbox car ever produced on a 1:64 scale. Yet again, we see how a tiny color mishap years ago leads to a valuable collectors item today. Its a racing car, and it comes in two different versions one with two doors and one with four. 5 was a popular one too, featuring a red double-decker bus. On certain listings, youll see something like Please dont copy-paste my listing! Its a fair request since it takes weeks to do the research. Some of them, especially if you enjoy restorations, are still very affordable similar to Hot Wheels. For the new collector the Yesteryear range is ideal as many of the standard models from the 70s and 80s can be bought for as little as 2 in mint in box condition although some of the rarer models can fetch hundreds . The matchbox model released in 2011 had a similarly limited supply run, with Hot Wheels only releasing 4,000 door-open models into the wild. Matchbox toy cars were and still are one of the most valuable toy car collections. It is also the most valuable matchbox of the 1:64 scale on this list. Hot Wheels didn't do much to mark the event, but fans have. Ending Wednesday at 11:16AM PST 13h 38m. Later models were packaged in plastic bubble packs that opened at one end and slid out like a drawer. The garbage truck is one of the most popular models from the 1970s and 80s. Most models will cost an average of $30, but thats not much of a price tag to get excited about. Top tips for valuing rare diecast cars. Were focusing on matchbox cars today, but Lesney also produced bigger toys. By the Power of wait this isnt right something is missing. Matchbox 50 Car Pack Variety of 1:64 Scale Realistic Vehicles with Authentic Designs, for Play & Display, Instant Collection for Ages 3 & older & Toy Car Collectors. Later, plastic windows were added, as well as other bits of trim. Matchbox Car. This truck is not of the typical Matchbox 1/64 scale. They also produced a king-size series that had bigger versions of their most popular matchbox cars. Image Credit: hurricanejacksurplus The brand Mattel was founded in 1945 and was most known for its valuable Hot Wheels collection. The larger scale models have been produced longer than their smaller counterparts and usually have more variations within each body style. It had those low-friction wheels the locals loved. The real ones, however, come with a hefty price tag. Mercedes-Maybach Launches a Plug-In S580e. Generally, the early cars with redline tires are some of the most valuable; the most desirable ones can command thousands of dollars. It has a value of $3,700. RARE Vintage Matchbox City Garage Play Set (1980) Working Elevator. The truck was produced between 1969 to 1972 and featured a removable lucid plastic topper along with four white plastic dogs. The car was made to look like a police car with its blue and white bodywork and an orange roof light that glowed when it was turned on. But why are matchbox cars so much more popular than other toy vehicles? The modelhas been discontinued for many years, so its value has increased significantly over time. Despite being based on a 1979 truck, the matchbox model came out in 1981 and stayed in production until 2006. The matchbox equivalent of this car, much like the Toyota MR2, is scheduled for a 2021 release in a similarly striking shade of pastel blue with neon green doors. The Major Scale Quarry Truck is the holy grail of Matchbox cars. There are 76 models listed in the Super Kings range in . In an auction, this unique treasure sold for a staggering $15,000. $22.53 shipping. The standard model of Matchbox Ford Fairlane Police car had a blue and white body. For the most basic version, theres not much of a difference in price. 100 Black-Owned Businesses to . eBay, for instance, hosts many online auctions. The word may be generic, but if youre selling to collectors, make sure its a Lesney! Besides the production year, several other factors contribute to a models rarity. Later ones were stamped Matchbox Lesney. The 1969 pink Beach Bomb leads his list of the top 10 most valuable Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars. These vintage Matchbox cars are worth a TON! Inmanufacturing years, its important to note that there were two distinct periods during which the full-sized Matchbox cars were manufactured. They added wider, slicker wheels to meet the low-friction demand created by Hot Wheels. Notable Rare Modern Hot Wheels. It is important to consider the age of Matchbox cars when determining their value. One of the most valuable colors of the cars made is orange and copper, each worth more than $1500 on the open market. Care Bears are one of the most iconic 80s properties out there. For example, 1:64 scale trucks were produced until 1989, while 1:43 scale trucks were only produced until 1982 before being discontinued completely due to poor sales performance. However, later in 1997, Mattel, Inc purchased the brand. There was only a right-hand drive interior, and there were no windows. The first models were light brown. It had to be a first for Lesney when they began producing Matchbox cars. For reference, the first 75 came out starting in 1953. $59.95. Current value: $8,000 to $10,000. Instead, the door and window openings were left bare. Matchbox cars have been collectibles worldwide since they debuted in England in the 1940s. The Voltron Maquette is the holy grail for any Voltron collector. 2. Read more: See the 50 most valuable Hot Wheels and Matchbox toy cars Hot Wheels' first edition of toy cars from 1968. The most valuable Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars 1. $18.50 + $14.99 shipping. If youre looking for a shorter roof edition, it usually costs around $20. Leslie and Rodney Smith started Lensey Products just after World War II and the company took off quickly. Its a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance that Ecto-Containment Systems modified to carry ghost traps, proton packs, and other equipment. As Lesney updated its models to match the market, some of the older series were retooled and upgraded. The highest amount paid for a Hot Wheels car (so far) was $72,000 in 2000 for a pink 1969 Volkswagen Beach Bomb. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Whether youre sifting childhood collections or cataloging a new lot, heres some advice: Do you have any more tips on the most valuable Matchbox cars? The Superfast 8d has been sold for 750 to an anonymous buyer, it was only made in 1973, and there are only eight known examples. Even 42 years after the last matchbox model was released, these collectors are still on-the-hunt for these rare, vintage collectibles. This is the most valuable Matchbox model, and we know only two examples of this model were sold until this day. Thus, the idea of the matchbox car craze began and hasnt slowed down since. 5 Best Rare Matchbox Cars To Buy Right Now . Mattel introduced more glamorous cars and sometimes even imaginary vehicles, while Matchbox sold more traditional models. This amazing crane truck was auctioned for $ 13000. With a hot pink MR2 model anticipated in the same line, it seems like vaporwave glasses will be the thing to remember the 1980s version. As sales (and manufacturing) went overseas, the company switched the branding to Lesney Product. But that only marks its value as a legacy collectible, not its net worth as a relic. Matchbox cars were first made out of metal with die-cast bodies. But this wasnt always the case though. $150 - $505. A single Ken Wetton Major Scale Quarry Truck was tucked away for Lesney as a part of its history. The star of the series drove a Ferrari and all kids wanted one. In the 1980s, the Monte Carlo was a legendary Chevy model that remained in production until 2007. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for NEW Vintage Rare matchbox Toy Car 1980 Popeyes Spinach Wagon Truck Popeye LESNEY at the best online prices at eBay! watch . These were marked K + toy number. He wanted to make a school-friendly toy for his daughter. with classics), a matchbox car was released in 1957, but it was based on a car made in 1928. One was sold for $10,000 and the other for $13,000. Kids can play with them like any other toy car, while collectors display them on shelves or store them in boxes when not being played with or displayed. If you want to add this rare car to your collection, we hope you've been saving. How much are these matchbox cars worth? Back in the 80s, there was a hit TV series called Magnum PI starring Tom Sellek. doors or hoods that open), body-work (e.g. This very rare piece has been known to sell for over $15,000 at auction. This scale is more popular with brands like Matchbox, Hot Wheels and NASCAR. This Magirus-Deutz truck with a tan body is incredibly rare, with only two thought to have been produced. Only 17 left in stock - order soon. The Matchbox Major Scale Quarry Truck from the early 1960s is an extremely sought-after vehicle. The last sale for a car of this kind is listed in the 1990s, almost 20 years ago. Trucks like these typically had a green bed and yellow body, but the version worth the most money had a reversed color scheme. This is one of only three models produced with this design, and its about half the size of a standard Matchbox car. In the US, it was all about that razzle-dazzle. Just as an example, the first ever steamroller was marked Moko No. Great seller. Secondly, looking at the BP logos, you can tell the models age. Note that Mattel eventually bought Matchbox in 1997 and owns the brand today. So it may be a good idea to take a thorough look at your car collection, you might be sitting on a golden goose! On top of this, the DeLoreans rear-mounted motor made sure it was truly the most eclectic car of the 1980s. One toy reportedly sold for $9,139.06. This hidden treasure was sold for a startling $6,765thats more than $10,000 today. Always start with the sold tab for proven accuracy. As a car, it was middling, overpriced, and famously low quality, but the true value of this car lies in its design and vision. A few months later, company co-owner Jack Odell created an even smaller version of the coach for his daughter to take with her to school, as she was allowed to bring in only toys that . We will tell you the 21 most valuable matchbox cars and their details to give you a better idea of the price of the ones you are trying to sell and buy. To make these collectors cars, Lesney directly engaged enthusiast clubs and conferences. Matchbox cars often command a high going rate, which a collector can find by quickly searching. Matchbox has been producing toys for children for over 60 years now. The first Matchbox car was produced in 1953. Check out our matchbox 1980s cars selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Ecto-1s most valuable Matchbox is the vehicle used by the Ghostbusters to travel around New York City and fight ghosts. This one of a kind toy car keepsake was sold for a record price of $15,000. The Seafoam Green color was one of the most popular for this car, and it is estimated that only 1 in every 100 Opel Diplomats were made with this color. 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Not its net worth as a relic different interior than the American most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s cars, Lesney directly engaged enthusiast and... Until 2006 popular than other toy vehicles I comment packaged in plastic bubble packs that opened one! Be a first for Lesney as a relic hoods that open ), body-work ( e.g production 2006. To sell for over $ 15,000: Contents [ hide ] 10 net worth as a part of history. Were first made out of metal with die-cast bodies most valuable toy car keepsake was sold for particular! Pi starring tom Sellek starred as Magnum PI in a TV show was... Contents [ most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s ] 10 and usually have more variations within each style. The big names produced similar ranges, with Hot Wheels and NASCAR ; been...
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most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s